You can tell from the numbers whether it is total or free. I have never seen a lab report that doesn't state what it is. Usually people are going from memory and just remember "testosterone". Both are important, but total is easiest to measure and is a good starting point. If that is low, free will be low too. Also there is different units of measurement for US and Europe.

Here is a example of a typical normal testosterone chart:http://www.healthline.com/health/low-te ... olescence3Note that 270 is listed as normal for a 30-yo man. NO WAY! He should be AT LEAST 800. For a 60-yo, the chart says -1% per year. So 270-30% = 200. I have no idea how they come up with these numbers. Using the penis-hasn't-fallen-off test probably.

Also, you will still find articles saying that low testosterone has not been proven to cause ED or lack of desire. This is pretty much the state of things for typical urologists, endocrinologists, and GPs.

However, bHRT, life extension, and doctors specializing in male hormone issues are getting to be more common. The desired level needs to be determined experimentally per individual -- there is a real danger of getting too much. There would be disagreement among us here on TMB on where it should typically be. My doctor is conservative and wants me at 750. A lot of guys are at 1000 with no ill effects.

Everything you ever wanted in life is just outside your comfort zone (Jamie Lee Curtis)

It sounds like the Cholesterol level game only the opposite. They keep lowering the level of cholesterol needed to trigger a "you need our maintenance drug" reaction. But for some reason with testosterone it doesn't seem so.

Wanting to become like Job, as described in the Bible, the book of Job chapter 29. Hence the screen name.

@jobman-Your sarcasm and hostility is not welcomed. Please refrain from further comment.

@everyone else-please understand that I am not the person who has endured multiple doctors visits, blood draws, 4 rounds of HRT, it is my DH. He is tired of trial and error and so am I. It's nice to hear opinions, that's why I came here. But at the end of the day my husband and I have to decide what's best for us given all of the information. Thanks

Brianna, I'm very sorry for what you are both going through. There are many of us here with experience with testosterone therapy. Sadly, I seems that there are many doctors who are not very knowledgeable I the field, but are nevertheless giving out I'll-Informed advice about the subject. You will find some people here who have treated by some of these doctors, and have gotten very ineffective treatment protocols. However, a little bit of research on your own can make a huge difference. There are stories here where determined wives pushed through and got their reluctant husbands some treatment, and the husbands were very grateful afterwards.

Please try to look up his actual numbers for total testosterone. I was told by my nurse that my lab results had "good news" that my levels were normal. They were actually in the lowest 5th percentile for my age, and felt terrible. I got real treatment and feel MUCH better. First, however, I tried the gels, but I felt worse. Injections work well for me. Most of us on therapy also need to have our estrogen levels in check. Doctors who do not monitor estrogen levels have no business administering testosterone therapy There is hope.

Check out Trimix or Caverject. These cause the vessles at the base of the penis to open and fill the penis with blood. It is used where Viagra and the like won't work, including men who would otherwise be non-functional due to damage from prostate surgery. It does not depend on hormones or nitric oxide. You stay hard for an hour or more, even after ejaculation .

It is injected, but uses a very small needle. I doubt you could even feel it. It is squarely mainstream medicine, nothing alternative or cutting-edge about it. Any urologist should be able to show him (or you) how to do it and write the prescription. You could be enjoying sex within days!

I know how frustrating dealing with medical issues, especially complex ones that affect your marriage bed, can be. Know that I an many others here will be praying for you, and are here for not only lay medical advice, but also emotional support, as much as we can be given it's the internet. I do apologize if my part in the banter with Job seemed to minimize your problem or anything like that. That was not my intention, and I'm sure was not his either.

Hang in there -- you have every reason to have faith that things will improve.

Last edited by ledgemoor on Mon Oct 24, 2016 6:41 am, edited 1 time in total.

Everything you ever wanted in life is just outside your comfort zone (Jamie Lee Curtis)